Advancing quality evaluation and origin tracing of Hainan Camellia oleifera oil through Lipidomics and multidimensional analysis

oil is a high-value woody edible oil in China. To clarify origin-specific quality traits and formation mechanisms, this study systematically analyzed oil from four representative Hainan producing areas using a multidimensional approach, including physicochemical properties, functional components, fatty acids, volatiles and lipidomics. Multivariate statistics and KEGG pathway enrichment were applied to screen biomarkers and explore molecular mechanisms. Oils from different areas showed distinct characteristics, with Qiongzhong oil demonstrating optimal comprehensive quality. Core origin-discriminative biomarkers and four key metabolic pathways closely related to quality variation were identified, with altitude and soil pH as the primary environmental factors. This study fills the gap in tropical Camellia oil research and provides technical support for origin tracing and quality evaluation.